Our Town magazine January 2023 digital edition

Nowadays in cars, you can no longer see the faces of children in the back seats. You can only see the tops of their heads as they look down at their handheld devices or cell phones—oblivious to all their physical surroundings, absorbed solely in the images produces on their computer-generated phones or pads.

Gone from our roadways’ landscape are the faces of children pressed tightly against the vehicle’s glass windows, some squished so flatly they resembled a human pancake face. Children today just don’t look out the car window. Often their eyes are fixed on some kind of TV screen above the driver’s dashboard. The fare here is usually of the cartoon variety, or sometimes an athletic event. For sure, they look not at the geography around them.

When I turned seventeen and borrowed my father’s car, I was able to drive anywhere he did, without a road map or aid of a woman’s voice through a computer-based advisor. I knew much of Routes 46, 22, 17, 3, 208, 18, 4, the Garden State Parkway and its exits to Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant and Asbury Park. I also knew how to drive to Yankee Stadium, the local outdoor drive-in movie theaters and all of the homes of my relatives in the Garden State.

Most nostalgically sad, however, is the lack of seeing young children looking out their car windows and making grotesque, strange and comical faces at adjacent motorists. As for me, I would put on puppet shows from my car’s back window for the entertainment of the drivers following us. Some little boys used the same setting to shoot toy guns at motorists. Some would shoot back using their hands as finger guns. It was all in fun, innocent youthful laughing fun.

Yes, time, political correctness and social behavior have all changed, perhaps for the better I am told. Yet, I cannot forget a time when little boys such as myself freely interacted with strangers in adjacent

cars, smiling and laughing together, instead of staring into some kind of computer-driven object—one which could not return a smile…

“Uncle Floyd” Vivino performs for all occasions; to learn more, call (973) 633-8856. He is best-known as the host of “The Uncle Floyd Show” on television from 1974 to 2001.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

By Nicholas Caggiano

The Wayne Wolfpack basketball season recently began. Tryouts were held at the end of October and the season got underway with a Thanksgiving tournament. So far this season, the Wolfpack have been playing extremely well; they have a perfect record of 13 wins and no losses.

The Wolfpack won the Thanksgiving tournament by coming out on top in all six games they played. The biggest highlight for the Wolfpack was beating Bloomfield to win the Thanksgiving tournament. The Wolfpack had some key players in foul trouble but were able to pull out the win. Another high point early in the season was a big 13-point win over Ramsey. Ramsey beat the Wolfpack five times last season and hadn’t lost a game in a few years. This was a huge win for the Wolfpack in a tremendous atmosphere.

The Wolfpack team has 10 players: Shane Jacobs is the point guard. He runs the show and is a tremendous athlete and basketball player. Most opponents key on him and he handles the pressure amazingly. David Rojas, in only his second year playing basketball, has improved tremendously. He is a huge force down low, rebounding and blocking a ton of shots. Ryder Turi is coming into his own as more of an aggressive player. He is a tremendous shooter, but his game has grown much more in the short time this year already. Nico Squeglia is a very hard-nosed player, active defender, and always ready to knock down open shots. Austin Jones gives it his all every time he is on the court. Jones is a sharpshooter and lockdown defender.

Connor Chessin is the Wolfpack sixth man in the rotation. He’s hard to take off the court because of all the things he offers. He may not be the tallest but Chessin fights for every ball, dribbles well and can score at any level. He is also a tough and smart defender. AD Khan possesses tremendous vision as a passer. He was slowed down by a foot injury earlier in the season, but he’s rounding back into shape. Patrick Clark plays extremely hard and is extremely athletic. Matthew Espinosa plays tough defense

and will knock down many open shots. Jordan Laracuente is in his first year playing travel basketball. He’s one of the tallest players in the league. He is a very raw player but after another year of development he could be a very talented player.

Looking forward to the rest of the season, the Wolfpack have another 15 games in league play and two more tournaments. Some of the toughest opponents for the Wolfpack include Ramsey, who has won three straight league championships, Mahwah who is currently undefeated, and Wyckoff. The biggest challenge so far this season has been getting accustomed to a new system and having the players learn positioning, spacing, and correct reads in an advanced high school or college type system.

Coach Travis Bligh says, “This is a very hungry group. After a disappointing end to their year last year losing to Ramsey in the championship we are on the hunt. We have a great group of kids and a very competitive gym. From numbers 1-10 in practice, we have a very balanced roster that only helps improve each other. I am having a blast coaching these kids and in he short time we’ve been together we are accomplishing some very special things.”

“Now that we have had early success, the key is to stay hungry and continue to be the sharks on the hunt because we know each and every team we play is trying to knock us off the top spot.”

WAYNE REGISTRATION FOR KINDERGARTEN AND NEW FIRST GRADE STUDENTS COMING SOON

Registration for kindergarten and new first grade students for the 2023-2024 school year will take place through each elementary school throughout the month of February. Only a parent or guardian may enroll the child.

Please go to the district website (www.wayneschools.com) between February 1st and February 22, 2023 to complete the online registration process and schedule an appointment to register your child or children. Please have all required documentation ready prior to completing the online form. The online registration process must be complete before you schedule an appointment with your school registrar.

Please note that children must be five years of age on or before October 15, 2023, to be eligible to attend Kindergarten in September of 2023 as per district policy.

Questions may be directed to Mary Monisera at 973-317-2188 or registration@wayneschools.com

UNCLE FLOYD’S TOTOWA TALES

The studio on Charles Street

Totowa had a “recording studio” at 61 Charles Street in the finished basement of a private home during the 1970s and 80s, which was well known by many hundreds of musicians in the New Jersey-New York metropolitan area.

Two brothers, Lenny and Louis Argese, both professional musicians, made vinyl records, cassette tapes and CDs here, for big-name established stars and amateur level musicians starting out. I made my first record here in 1979, a 45-rpm disc of “Deep in the Heart of Jersey” backed with a novelty song featuring my puppet Oogie titled “La De Da Dah.” I paid the Argese brothers for all their technical work and sold enough copies of the record to buy my first house in Totowa in Echo Glen—for $79,000 during the spring of 1980.

The Argese brothers had moved to Totowa around 1960 from Glens Falls, New York, in the Lake George Adirondack region. They were subcontractors for many major record companies and also operated a large catalog of artists on their very own label, called Bioya.

I also used their studio to record many radio commercials, political campaign songs and comical novelties of all kinds. It was a good business for me. I would pay roughly twenty-two cents to produce one 45-rpm disc, which I could easily sell for $1.50 at personal appearances as well as through my own “Uncle Floyd Show” mail order business.

The Argese brothers have long since passed, but they were indeed instrumental (no pun intended) in my financial success and overall popularity on television and radio—a success in great measure due to them, and their recording studio at 61 Charles Street in Totowa, New Jersey…

Legendary entertainer and TV show host “Uncle Floyd” Vivino first moved to Totowa in 1980. Floyd still performs regularly; for more information, call (973) 633-8856.

I would then continue making novelty records here in Totowa, some ten more 45-rpm discs, and they sold well enough that a major record company—Mercury—signed me up to make an LP, a 33-rpm album, titled The Uncle Floyd Show. This too was recorded in Totowa, in 1983, and netted me enough money to buy a home in Dey Hill Estates, which when purchased was the highest-priced home in Totowa’s real estate residential listings at the time.

Lenny Argese working in the studio.

Happy New Year from Lionel the Totowa Library Mouse! I’m here once again to give you the scoop on the latest events and happenings at the Totowa Public Library!

“The Mouse With No Name: The Origins of Lionel the Totowa Library Mouse”

It’s official: my origin story is now a published chapter book, available to purchase on Amazon or at the Totowa Library! Have you ever wondered how a little mouse like me ended up as the unofficial mascot at the Totowa Library? Grab a copy and find out! Created by the imaginations of the children of the Totowa Library and featuring their artwork, “The Mouse with No Name” is a chapter book suitable for young readers full of adventure, imagination, and magic. You can order your very own copy for just $12 on Amazon. com or ask a Library staff member to purchase a copy in person. Proceeds go to the Totowa Library Foundation so that creative programs like this one can continue in the future.

New Year, New Relationship! with Rachel Russo

Interested in stepping up your dating game? Totowa native and well-known matchmaker Rachel Russo is here to help with a two-part seminar! Rachel says: “I believe that most people can have the real, lasting love they crave. That the relationship of their dreams

is out there waiting to be claimed.” Learn about online dating strategies with Rachel on Monday, January 16th at 6:15pm at the Totowa Library. And then, one month later, make sure you come back to learn about Rachel’s offline dating strategies, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Part Two of the seminar will be held on Monday, February 13th at 6:15pm. To register to attend, visit totowapl.org/register.

Learn How To Use Google Workspace with Sabrina Conti

In today’s world, we have so many resources at our disposal in the palms of our hands on our computers and smart phones. However, many of us still aren’t fully comfortable utilizing resources such as all the tools that Google Workspace has to offer (for free!). Join local educator Sabrina Conti for an overview of Google Workspace and learn how to use the platform to your advantage, for work, school, or personal use. Beginning Monday, January 23rd at 6:00pm, and continuing on every 4th Monday of the month, each session will cover a different feature including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Classroom, Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, and Google Forms. Register now for this interactive workshop at totowapl.org/register!

Yoga Returns to the Totowa Library in 2023!

Yoga classes return to the Totowa Library in January of 2023 with a new instructor! Courtney Ober, BSW, is a certified yoga instructor who enjoys sharing the many benefits and healing powers of yoga and mindfulness. Adult Yoga Classes will take place every Wednesday at 5:30pm at the Totowa Library. Rates are $15 per month for Totowa residents, and $20 per month for non-residents. There will also be weekly yoga classes for kids starting in January! Every Wednesday from 4:30pm to 5:15pm Courtney will guide your child through exercises and activities that are healthy for both the body and mind. There is no fee for children’s yoga. To sign up for Adult or Kids Yoga, visit totowapl.org/register or call the Library at 973-790-3265. Don’t forget to bring your yoga mat!

Find Your Voice in our Creative Writing Workshop

It’s unanimous: participants in our new Creative Writing Workshop are loving this weekly treat! Author, artist, actress, and lifelong learner Maria Olon Tsaroucha will guide you on a journey to find your authentic voice and writing identity through the method of self-discovery. With writing challenges, meditations, and improvisational exercises designed to build mindfulness, this community-based workshop is designed to foster creativity and expand your knowledge with a combination of Eastern philosophy and Western thought. Discover your voice with this weekly workshop on Tuesdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Register to attend at totowapl.org/register

January Activities for Children

Ring in the New Year with tons of fun wintry activities for kids at the Totowa Library! Join Miss Annemarie for Story Hours and crafts featuring winter weather, penguins, snowmen, and dragons. Teeny Tot Tales for the little ones will be held each Thursday morning from 11am to 12pm. Don’t miss after-school Winter Bingo on Tuesday, January 10th at 4pm and Lingo Bingo at noon on Saturday the 14th. Plus, learn to sew your own snowman with Miss Annemarie on Friday, January 20th at 4pm, and decorate a winter-themed cake on Saturday, January 28th at 12pm. Be sure to register your child to attend these programs and more at totowapl.org/register!

BASKETBALL WRAP-UP

BY JASON MOUSSAB

Passaic Valley - The Passaic Valley Hornets opened their season with three losses, falling to Passaic, Emerson Boro and Clifton. Coach Kevin Touhey’s team came back to win its own holiday tournament, defeating Pompton Lakes 57-45 and then topping McNair 61-50. In that victory over McNair, junior forward Stavros Makrygiannis scored 26 points with five three-pointers made. PV opened 2023 with a loss to Wayne Valley, but came back to defeat West Milford and Park Ridge to even its record at 4-4.

Wayne Valley - The Wayne Valley Indians got off to a tough start as they lost their first two games to Northern Highlands and Passaic County Tech. The Indians earned their first victory on December 20 against Old Tappan, winning 58-50. The Indians participated in the tough J.P. Flynn Memorial Tournament where they beat West Morris 70-69 before losing to Mendham and Hunterdon Central. The Indians opened the new year with three straight wins, beating Passaic Valley 52-38 and also defeating Lakeland and Phillipsburg to even their record at 5-5. Senior Krenar Shaqiri leads Wayne Valley in scoring (15.7 points per game) and rebounding. Head coach Joe Leicht earned his 600th career victory in the victory over Lakeland.

Wayne Hills - Head coach Kevin Grimes and the Wayne Hills Patriots boys’ basketball team are off to a tough start after losing to Clifton, Paramus, and Hoboken to begin the 2022-2023 season. The team’s lone victory came in the Jack Stone shootout against Dickinson where they won 62-40. The Patriots opened the new year with a 76-52 win against West Milford but then fell to Fair Lawn to drop to 2-4 on the season.

Passaic County Tech - The Passaic County Bulldogs and head coach Mike Boorman got off to a hot start as they won their first three games of this season against Ridgewood, Wayne Valley, and Passaic Charter, but then fell to Northern Highlands. PCTI would then win the Bears Holiday Classic, as it beat Pope John 49-42 and Weehawken 92-53. In the Weehawken victory, senior Elian Paulino scored 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, while senior Ayden Brown is Tech’s top scorer overall. The Bulldogs opened 2023 with tough losses to Paterson Eastside and Paterson Kennedy, but rebounded to edge Old Tappan 51-48.

DePaul - The DePaul Spartans basketball team started off their season with wins over Clifton, 62-55 and Morris Catholic 57-49, before losing to Union Catholic. Head coach Ryan Hagen and his team rebounded by defeating Lakeland and West Milford. In the Paterson Charter Tournament, the Spartans lost to Saddle River Day and Paterson Charter, DePaul won two of three to open 2023, knocking off Teaneck and Paramus but falling to Don Bosco Prep, giving the Spartans a 6-4 record. Jordan Ghee, Johnny Cotton and Zahmir Pringle are all averaging in double figures for DePaul.

GIVING TREE FOR FOSTER CARE KIDS

The school community at Charles Olbon School in Woodland Park held a giving tree initiative to support children living in foster care in Passaic County. Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) advocates for the best interests of vulnerable children in foster care.

Each year, CASA gathers holiday wishes from the children they work with throughout the county. The school had a giving tree set up in the lobby decorated with snowflakes. Each snowflake included the name, gender, age, and wishes of children involved with the CASA program.

Students and staff were able to choose a snowflake to bring home to fulfill the child’s wish.

Staying Alive

By Elizabeth Marchitti

One cannot live on haiku alone said the lonely poet. Nevertheless, she was sorely temped to keep writing them. Of course, they were not authentic Japanese Haiku, of the 5, 7, 5 syllable kind. Of course, they were not always about nature, which, I suppose, made them even less authentic.

Her youngest daughter described them as “silly little poems.” Obviously, she was not a fan of haiku, although she had written a number of silly songs in her youth, while playing her guitar.

Well, we all grow up, although we do our best to avoid it. Just because I’m ninety doesn’t mean I’m grownup-Heaven Forbid!

One cannot live on haiku alone, but it’s a great companion.

Elizabeth Marchitti is a longtime Totowa resident and published poet. This poem was accepted for publication in issue #50 of the Paterson Literary Review.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WOODLAND PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

EXTRA! EXTRA! FROM UNCLE FLOYD

A two-level bocce ball court, which would be the first and only one of its kind, is on the drawing board right now. The location of this unique idea would, if approved by Totowa officials, be on Stanley Street. As of this time, no residents or homeowners on Stanley Street have objected to this proposal, which would make Totowa, in effect, world famous for being the “Home of the Two-Level Bocce Ball Court.”

Many of Totowa’s most prominent citizens have expressed their sincere interest in this project including Piggy, Casey, Twiggy and Monk. Shoppie has not as of yet returned the calls made to him by the Stanley Street Association behind this tremendous and majestic effort.

FIRE ACADEMY GRADS FOR WEST PATERSON F.D.

Nine members of the West Paterson Fire Department recently graduated from the Passaic County Fire Academy. Graduates Ariel Gomez and Nemer Mareri are from Fire Company 1. Graduates David Garcia and Joseph Vargas are from Fire Company 2. Graduates Damian Carter, Raphael Munez, Sebastian Rodriguez, Patrick Biernat and Shervin Shinapour are from Fire Company 3.

Congratulations to all!

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOROUGH OF WOODLAND PARK